On 27 July 1972, minister of Justice Jérôme Choquette announced[5] the nomination of Cliche as judge and assistant chief justice to the Provincial Court. Cliche officially became judge on 5 September 1972.[6] In 1974 and 1975, he chaired the Royal Commission investigating the exercise of trade-union freedom in Quebec's construction industry.[7] The two other members of the Commission were Brian Mulroney and Guy Chevrette.